Field Days by Georgie Cossins

I’d like to address my column this week to the National Farmer’s Union (NFU) to express to them some of my concerns and hopes for the future. So here goes. 

Dear NFU, my family and I have always been big supporters of the NFU. Your organisation is the one farmers turn to in times of trouble. The NFU has fought for many farmers for many years and will continue to do so for a long time to come. 

After Brexit, as a farmer I am feeling anxious about the future. I am in need of guidance. Last week in the Times, a leading light of the NFU was quoted as saying farmers will lose their direct payments and will need to survive without them. Yet it is the case that many beef, sheep and cereal producers will fail to break even without these subsidies. 

Therein lies the problem. The NFU have made a start in thinking about a solution; but I would still like to see more concrete ideas which set out their vision for the future of British agriculture. 

Last week I met George Dunn, the chief executive of a different organisation, this one called the Tenant Farmers Association. He gave a talk on the future of British Agriculture which outlined not only the problem, but also the newly-arisen opportunity to shape British agricultural policy for the future. He spoke about labelling regulation, the detail of future EU trade agreements, regulation for farm tenancy agreements, grant aid for diversification projects and changes of infrastructure. 

He advanced cogent arguments as to why Britain cannot become a nation that relies on cheap imports. These arguments highlighted the UK’s world-beating environmental and animal welfare standards, how British farmers play a key role in ensuring we all have access to clean air and water. 

Here is what I want to hear. I know that farmers will have to change the way they do business. But it is the hows and the in-what-ways that interest me. That is the debate we should be having - but by and large are not - about what measures the government can put in place to strengthen British agriculture, one of the country’s flagship industries, so that we can all enjoy great food and a great countryside. 

So to the NFU I would say: I’m ready for an uncertain future. But I’m also ready to hear the plans that together we can put in place in order to face it.